The Palatka daily news. (Palatka, Fla.) 1884-1888, 1887-05-25
SAVED AT THE GALLONS.


Neck rs the Reprieve Comes I'm.
New York World.
ATLANTA, GA, May 22.-The story of
the reprieve of a Tatnall County muir
derer the other day, already told in brief
in the World, is full of dramatic Incl
dents. The man. whose name is Leggett.
was under sentence of death for the muir
der of his wife. He was to have been
hanged on Friday one week ago.
Reidsville. the county seat, where the
hanging was to have taken place.
is fOrty-four miles from the railroad
When, therefore. Leggett's attorney,
VIM. Clifford, of Savannah. received on
the Thursday before the hanging a de-
layed package from Reidsville signed by
doctors and officials, declaring that Leg
gett was undoubtedly insane. he had to
act quickly to save him from the hang
man. He telegraphed to Gov. Gordon,
only to find that the Governor was on a
train going to Macon. Other kilograms
awaited the Governor in Macon. which
he answered by ordering Leggett's re-
prieve.
On Thursday morning early, the order
respiting Leggett until June II was
drawn up and signed at a private house
i'm Macon, the necessary blanks having
been taken to Macon for that purpose
Then n telegram was first sent to the
sheriff of Tatnall County ordering him
to suspend the execution, and stating
that the official order was on its way. The
telegram to Reidsville was sent to
JOhnsons Station, on the Savannah.
Florida and Western Railroad, and from
there had to be taken by messenger
about forty miles across the country to
its destination. As a double precaution
Col. Clifton was telegraphed at Savan-
nah to proceed to Reidsville at once and
deliver the order in person. No train
left Savannah before evening. Col. Cliff
ton answered that he would take that
train for Reidsville. and would get there
in time if such a thing was possible.
The first twenty miles of his journey
was through the swamps and lowlands
of Liberty County, and the remaining
twenty miles in Tattnall County Law
through dense pine woods. Advices
Just received tell the story of his event
full ride. Armed with the Governors re-
prieve. the lawyers work was only be
gun. Taking the midnight train for
Walthamville. Mr.. Clifton reached that
station about 4 a. m From there he
had to cross through forty-four miles of
swamp and sand before noon to save his
clients neck. He secured two fine
horses and a light carriage and started
out at a full gallop.
Meanwhile the country people began
to pour into Reidsville. 1t was the first
hanging in fifty years. and the people
| came from all directions. They climbed
up into trees, on housetOps and wherever
a view could be had. The murderer made
preparation for death and had no idea
that any correspondence had been held
with the Governor. At 10 O'Clock the
preacher called upon him, with whom
he prayed and to whom he made a full
| confession of the crime At l1:30 the
sheriff appeared, and the march to the
| gallows. 300 yards away, was begun.
The murderer assembled with a firm step.
his feet and arms were bound. the black
cap was adjusted and the sheriff was in
the act of cutting the rope. when a voice
sang out. For Gods sake, stop!"
The sheriff looked up and saw the ap
preaching carriage. its occupant gesticu-
lating frantically. 1t was Mr. Clifton
who had appeared only just in the nick
| of time.
1t was ten minutes before the prisoner
could be convinced that he had no,
made the fatal plunge. He was dazed
completely. When he did realize thai
he was still living his prayers Of graft
tude were profuse. Ii was about the
] closest call ever man had